Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils have formed a publicly owned, Council-controlled Organisation (CCO) to deliver water services across Hamilton city and Waikato district. The company is called IAWAI - Flowing Waters and will take over the provision of water services from 1 July 2026. This transition will occur in stages such as the current Watercare contract for Waikato District Council transferring to the CCO on 1 July 2026.  

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Step into a pivotal role where your commercial insight shapes the future of land, property, and regulatory decision‑making. As Principal - Commercial & Strategic Property, you’ll champion enterprise‑level thinking that strengthens long‑term land efficiency, boosts capital productivity, and supports positive community outcomes. This is a high‑impact position for someone who thrives on influence, strategy, and meaningful change.

Reporting directly to the CFO, you’ll be the organisation’s trusted expert on complex property matters, providing clear, confident technical advice to both internal and external stakeholders. Your strategic lens will guide the stewardship of IAWAI’s property portfolio, ensuring decisions today set the foundation for tomorrow’s success.

You’ll also lead major strategic programmes of work, including property reviews, disposals, and legalisation processes. With a focus on efficiency and alignment to organisational goals, you’ll ensure these initiatives are delivered with precision, momentum, and a strong sense of purpose.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience 

• A relevant tertiary qualification is preferred (i.e., Property Management, Urban Planning, Engineering, Law).
• Proven track record in working with relevant property legislation, including Public Works Act 91, LGA and the Reserves Act.
• 10+ years’ experience in property consultancy and / or other property-related roles, as well as commercial property experience.
• Excellent communication, relationship management and negotiation skills.
• A high level of technical understanding of land rights and local authority property.
• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory processes for local authority property transactions.
• Sound project management skills.
• Proven analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Procurement and contract management expertise.
• Experience in training and developing others, sharing knowledge and skills.

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $150k dependent on skills and experience.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 27 April 2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Start date for this position will be on or after 1 July 2026.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking hereIt is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met